Veto of unlawful ordinance in Jackson County

A veto was made Friday afternoon on Ordinance 5332 by Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr., according to a news release from the Jackson County, Mo. website.

During a special meeting of the County Legislature on Wednesday, June 3, a majority of the body voted in favor of the ordinance, despite a warning from the Jackson County Counselor’s Office prior to their vote, the release said. Due to being in conflict with state law as well as violating provisions of the County Charter, the County Code of Ordinances and the Rules of the Jackson County Legislature, White made the decision to veto.

Ordinance 5352 proposes the use of federal CARES Act funds received by the County to make unlawful payments to certain county staff members, the release said. As outlined by the federal government, CARES Act funds must be used to address necessary expenditures incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

“As the chief elected official of Jackson County, I have a responsibility to ensure the monies we received are used appropriately and that taxpayers are not on the hook for any reckless actions by elected officials. I will continue, as I have in the past, to oppose any unlawful actions by the Legislature,” White was quoted in the release. “During this unprecedented time, I have witnessed the hard work and dedication of our front-line associates to provide uninterrupted essential services to our residents. They deserve to be rewarded, but we cannot offer and expect them to accept illegal compensation. They deserve better.”